We can't escape them; signs are everywhere. If you think Boyce Luther Gulley saw a sign when he was inspired to build his Mystery Castle, then get a load of the way some people took the idea of a "desert sign" quite literally. All along Main Street in Mesa, AZ, we were treated to bevy of beautiful neon markers for motels, hotels, and businesses of all kinds. Here are some of the best signs that we saw.
Sunland Motel This one reminds me of the original Del Taco logo (it might be a regional thing). It's a shame that too few motels offer the practicality of the kitchenette. |
Kiva Lodge Motel I want this sign in the worst way. How awesome would my western room be with a giant Chief's head illuminated by neon? Really awesome. |
It's all about the details. The vacancy sign masquerading as Native American pottery |
Trava-Leers Motel This is one of my favorites because it evokes the nostalgia of 50's Disneyland. |
El Capitan Lodge Motel They've got vacancy and TV; what more could you ask for? |
The Plainsman Motel |
Highway Host Motel The signs all have such a feeling of optimism and hope. Or maybe I read too much into a white starburst... |
Dairy Queen This might not be that exciting to you, but in our neck of the woods, the oldest Dairy Queen is in a tan, stucco building circa 1989, neon not included. |
The Hambone Sports Bar & Grill Save for the fact that I DO wear glasses and I DON'T drink beer, it looks like they knew I was coming. |
We drove up and down Main Street, Mesa at least three times trying to make sure that we didn't miss any of that amazing signage (we probably did). The residents of Mesa sure are lucky to have such a concentration of neat signs to color the skyline of their hometown. Do you have any amazing neon signs in your town that deserve more appreciation?
"Signs" - Five Man Electrical Band
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
On our way down to Vegas we saw a lot of empty old hotels/motels. I love seeing the vintage signs and the style of the motels. Tonopah and Goldfield have a lot of really neat buildings.
ReplyDeleteI think my dream is to run a motel - a refurbished, vintage one with plenty of room for shows, pool parties, and BBQs. If I can't do that, I'd happily settle for just driving around looking at all of them and their neat signs!
Deletegorgeous! i'm glad you took the time to stop and take photos! and i'll fight ya for that kiva sign!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be awesome to have that sign??? There really is nothing that I love more than old-timey cowboys and Indians!
DeleteI'm not sure I'd be up for the "refrigerated " Kiva Lounge. Sounds cold!
ReplyDeleteWhoops, I mean "Lodge."
DeleteHahaha!!! You might change your mind once you're faced with 120 degree temps. It reminds me of Hard Hearted Hannah..."You talk about your cold, refrigerated mamas"...
DeleteI love those signs! We always look at these old ads when we are in the USA!
ReplyDeleteI love the pig one, I love pigs and have a small collection of vintage piggy banks.
I could happily hunt down old signs all day long! One time we were driving in our neighborhood and saw a woman walking her pig. Another time, we were in Palm Springs and saw a man and his pig sitting on the sidewalk! They are cute, but like you, I'd rather stick to the chalkware variety!
DeleteThat Hambone Sports Bar and Grill sign is so awesome! I wonder what type of dancing occurs down at the Hambone...
ReplyDeleteIsn't it cool?! Nothing like a beer-drinking pig to get the weekend started! "Dirty" dancing maybe???
DeleteThat arrow on the "El Rancho" sign makes me think it could have been the EEL Rancho!
ReplyDeleteIs Mr. Plainsman wanting everyone to notice he's got a pager?
ReplyDeleteI think he must be a doctor...Cliff Huxtable had one, right?
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ReplyDeleteYou've given me a new appreciation for my home town. Main Street was glorious in the 60s and 70s.
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